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Have Newcastle underachieved despite being poised for promotion to Premier League?

By Andrew Dickson

Last Updated: 20/04/17 5:19pm

Newcastle are close to securing a return to the Premier League but should they be doing it as champions?

Despite assembling one of the most expensive squads in England, Newcastle are set to miss out on the Championship title.

Should Brighton win at Norwich on Friday, Chris Hughton's side will win the division and Newcastle would have to go for second place, which they can seal on Monday if they defeat Preston and other results go their way.

While Premier League riches are arguably a bigger prize than the title itself, could Newcastle have done more?

In the beginning

Following relegation last season, Newcastle's key aim was to go straight back up and they are about to do exactly that.

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez set out looking for the Championship title in his first full season at the club

That is not much of a surprise. While we have seen Rafael Benitez win major trophies more recently, he went through several second-tier campaigns first.

After spells at that level with Real Madrid B and Osasuna, he led both Extremadura and Tenerife into La Liga.